Jun 1988; Detroit, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson (32) in action against the Detroit Pistons during the 1988 NBA Finals at the Silverdome. Mandatory Credit: MPS-Imagn Images / MPS-Imagn Images
NBA great Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position 45 years ago.
Recently, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has changed the center spot. A recent video posted on social media shows both have more similarities than just bring new elements to the league.
The video is a compilation of Jokic making passes that are reminiscent of those made by Johnson in the 1980s and `90s. Take a look:
Nikola Jokić’s INSANE passes have shades of Magic Johnson 🔥pic.twitter.com/V9n0gy0CrL https://t.co/DDDP3R1RtC
— NBA (@NBA) March 27, 2025
NIKOLA JOKIĆ.
DOING WILD THINGS IN HIS RETURN.
😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/OARZsJvMpE
— NBA (@NBA) March 27, 2025
While Johnson has a 5-1 edge in titles, the players are tied in the MVPs race at three. Jokic could surpass Johnson if he beats out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this season.
FUTURE NO. 1 PICK COMPARED TO SCOTTIE PIPPEN
Projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg is in the midst of an NCAA Tournament run with the Duke Blue Devils.
Their latest matchup was against the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide, where Flagg and company walked away victorious, 85-65. Flagg’s performances at a high level on the biggest collegiate basketball stage are drawing attention from many, including a respected NBA coach.
George Karl was a head coach in the NBA across four decades, meaning his opinion is worth taking into account. With that said, Karl recently drew a unique all-time comparison for Flagg.
“Cooper Flagg’s comp is a more offensively skilled Scottie Pippen,” Karl posted to X.
Few in the comments disagreed with Karl’s take, as everyone is more than aware of the dominance and versatility Flagg has on the defensive end. He can seemingly guard every position due to his strong athleticism while also making consistent highlight plays.
The difference between Flagg and Pippen, as Karl noted, comes on offense. While the Duke superstar still struggles to handle the ball at an elite level and is not the strongest passer, his ability to score on all three levels is something the Chicago Bulls great never possessed.
Any team picking up a more offensively skilled version of Pippen is bound to have success for years to come.
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Back In The Day Hoops On SI. He can be reached at [email protected]